EMPORIA, Kan. – Despite scoring nine runs across the fifth and sixth innings, No. 23 Rogers State baseball (15-4, 5-2 MIAA) could not complete the comeback against Emporia State (9-9, 2-5 MIAA) and came up short 14-13 in the first game of the road series on Friday.
 
The Hillcats dashed out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Back-to-back singles from Luis Fuentes and Andres Contreras got things started. Blake Nichols later drove in Fuentes with a one-out double down the right field line. Contreras crossed home on an RBI ground out from Jackson Romero.
 
The Hornets responded with three runs in the home half of the frame to go up 3-2. Two RBI singles and a sacrifice fly scored the runs.
 
RSU answered back with a run in the second to tie things at 3-3, thanks to an Andrew Ramirez double to left center that plated Fuentes.
 
ESU punched back with two more runs in the bottom of the inning to jump back in front 5-3 with an RBI single and a run scoring from third on a 6-4-3 double play.
 
Again, the Hillcats got a run back in the third to cut the deficit to 5-4 with Tyler Nelson driving in Romero with an RBI single through the right side of the infield.
 
The Hornets broke the game open in the fourth as they exploded for eight runs to take a 13-4 lead. Two three-run home runs and a two-run homer scored the runs.
 
RSU was able to push across three runs in the fifth to trim the margin to 13-7. Weston Peninger blasted a 1-1 pitch over the center field wall, plating Romero. Nelson followed suit with a solo shot to left.
 
ESU added a run in the home half off a wild pitch to push back out to a 14-7 advantage.
 
The Hillcat bats came alive in the sixth as they drove in six runs to get within one at 14-13. Peninger laced a two RBI double to left center that allowed Romero and Jake Mitchell to cross home. Carson Cheatwood traded places with him, doubling to right center. Fuentes plated Nelson with a single to right. Cheatwood later scored from third on a wild pitch. Contreras capped off the frame with an RBI double to left center, scoring Fuentes.
 
Unfortunately, both pitching staffs locked down the final three innings as they combined to allow only one more hit and left six runners stranded.
 
Graeme Rios (3-1) earned the win. Ky Decker (3-1) took the loss.
 
RSU will look to rebound in the second game tomorrow. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.